ANAHEIM ANAHEIM — The Ducks were already set to undergo one of the most stark transformations in the NHL this offseason, beginning Tuesday with changes behind the bench and in the front office.
Assistant coaches Newell Brown and Craig Johnson will not have their contracts renewed, opening the door for new faces to head coach Greg Cronin and assistant Brent Thompson.
Additionally, Rob DiMaio has left the organization for personal reasons, vacating his roles as Ducks assistant general manager and GM of the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League. Mike Stapleton was promoted to the assistant GM role with the parent club, while Rick Paterson was promoted to the GM position in the minors.
Anaheim’s top minor-league , the Gulls had a down year last season — something Ducks GM Pat Verbeek said he hoped to improve next season.
“The San Diego Gulls have a bright future with many outstanding skilled players returning or ing the team next season,” Paterson said. “We look forward to getting back to our winning ways in short order and bringing the Calder Cup to the great city of San Diego.”
Paterson has been with the Ducks for two decades, serving in at least four roles across management, scouting and player development. That included the 2007 Stanley Cup year, which was his fourth championship after winning previously with Tampa Bay and twice with Pittsburgh.
Knoll writes for Southern California News Group.
